Physiotherapy apparatus with adjustable body supporting members



C` A. PARKIN Jan. 17, 1967 PHYSIOTHERAPY APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE BODY SUPPORTING MEMBERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July' 12, 1963 FIG. l

INVENTOR.

Chester A. Parkin FIG. 4

l Jan. 17, 1967 c. A. PARKIN 3,298,363

PHYSIOTHERPY APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE BODY SUPPORTING MEMBERS Filed July 12, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Cgzesfer A. Parkin www 14M United States Patent O 3,298,363 PHYSITHERAPY APPARATUS WITH ADJUST- ABLE RUDY SUPPORTING MEMBERS Chester A. Parkin, Saginaw, Mich., assignor to Parmac Corporation, a corporation of Michigan Filed .lluiy 12, 1963, Ser. No. 294,616 11 Claims. (Cl. 12S- 33) This invention relates to physiotherapy apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for mechanically manipulating either substantially the entire or selected portions of a patients spine for treating various ykinds of diseases and disorders.

The symptoms of many patients are indicative of maladies attributable to spinal disorders and which can be alleviated or cured by manipulation of specific portions of a patients spine. For example, various kinds of sciatica, neuralgia, curvatures, rheumatism, rhinitis chephalagia, neuritis, and trauma, to mention but a few commonly encountered complaints, have been treated successfully by spinal manipulation. The degree of success of spinal manipulation is directly related to the manipulative skill of the physician and, to a lange extent, his ability to induce relaxation of the patient. The effectiveness of such treatment is enhanced greatly if the patient can be made t relax completely, but it is practically an impossibility to do so by manual manipulation, inasmuch as the areas manipulated, the .pressures applied and the timing or rhythm of application will vary, even when such manipulation is performed by the most highly skilled and experienced practitioners. As a consequence, manipulative treatment has not been as effective heretofore as it otherwise could have been.

An object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for effecting manipulation of a patients spine in such manner as to overcome 4the inherent disadvantages of manual manipulation.

Another object of the invention is to provide manipulative apparatus which is capable of operating at' any selected zone of a patients spine or, alternatively, operating over substantially the full length of the spine.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for manipulating a patients spine in such manner as to resist the patients tensing, thereby promoting his relaxation.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character referred to which is adjustable to vary the force and extent of manipulation at any selected zone of a patients spine.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the kind described which may provide uniform treatments on successive occasions or which may vary the specific treatments on different occasions.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out specifically or will become apparent from the following specification when it is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

(FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention and illustrating the manipulating members in their inactive positions; l

FIGURIE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE l, but illustrating the manipulative members adjusted to conform to the physical characteristics of a particular patient;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse sectional view of the appara- -tus illustrating one of the manipulating members in an adjusted position and also illustrating the means for adjusting the manipulative member;

FIGURE 4 is a View similar to FtIGURE 3, but illus- 3,298,363 Patented Jan. 17, 1967 ice trating one of the manipulative members in its inactive v position; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary, sectional View of the apparatus taken on the line 5 5 of FIGURE 3.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention comprises a table T composed of a .plurality of vertical and horizontal fra-me members 1 and 2, respectively, that may be welded or otherwise suitably secured to one another to form a supporting framework. Suitably supportedon the frame members are end panels 3 at opposite ends of the apparatus, a rear panel 4 and a front panel 5. Supported by the frame members at one end of the framework is a horizontal headboard 6, and supported by the frame members adjacent the opposite end of the framework, but spaced from the headboard 6, is a board 7 that is adapted to support the legs and feet of a patient.

Between the board members 6 and 7 is a plurality of independent, longitudinally spaced apart, patient supportin-g and manipulating members or slats 8 that parallel one another and extend transversely of the longitudinal axis of the table. As is best indicated in FIGURES 3 and 4,

' and 8 will be covered by suitable padding (not shown) to provide a comfortable surface for a patient.

Means is provided for mounting each of the manipulating members 8 for independent vertical reciprocation relative to the main frame. The mounting means for each member is the` same, so only one is illustrated in detail. The lmounting means for each member 8 comprises an angle bar 9 or other suitable structural member having a horizontal flange secured to the lower surface of the member 8 by suitable means as bolts 10, Secured to the member 9 is a pair of spaced apart, vertically extending rods 11 that extend through openings formed in an angle or other suitably shaped member 12 that parallels and is located directly beneath the member 9. The rods 11 slideably extend through vertical guide sleeves 13 that are welded or otherwise suitably secured to a cross-member 14 which may be bolted or otherwise fixed to the main frame. The member 12 is not rigidly connected to the main frame, but instead is suspended from the associated member 9 for movements toward and away from the latter.

The suspension means -for each member 12 preferably comprises a pair of toggle mechanisms 15 and 16. The toggle mechanism 15 includes an arm 17 pivoted as at 18 to the member 12 and pivoted as at 19 to an arm 20, the latter being pivoted as at 21 to the member 9. The toggle mechanism 16 includes an arm 22 that is pivoted as at 23 to the member 12, and an arm 24 that is pivoted to an arm 22 at 25 and to the member 9 at 26. The togglermechanisms are interconnected by a traverse bar 27 that is pivoted at its opposite ends to both toggle mechanisms by the pivot pins 19 and 25.

Means for .adjusting the members 9 and 12 toward one another is provided and comprises an extension 28 on the toggle arm 20 which carries at its free end a threaded nut 29 in which is received a correspondingly threaded screw shaft 30 that is rotatably journaled in a iiange 31 fixed to the member 12 adjacent the front end of the latter. Fixed to the screw shaft is an operating head 32 which extends through a vertically elongated opening 33 provided in the front panel 5. The screw 30 may be rotated in one direction or the other by a crank 34 having a socket 35 that is adapted to receive the screw head 32. Except upon rotation of the screw 30, however, the toggle links connecting the members 9 and 12 are fixed or rigid, thereby enabling conjoint vertical reciprocation of the members 9 and 12.

The construction and arrangement of the adjusting mechanism are such that when any manipulating member 8 is supported on the horizontal frame members 2, as is indicated in FIGURE 4, rotation of the associated screw shaft 30 in one direction or the other will effect relative movement of the members 9 and 12 toward or away from one another, with the members 9 and 12 remaining parallel to one another. In order to permit such relative movement, but prevent inadvertent removal of a manipulating member 8 from the supporting framework, a pair of tension springs 36 may be connected at corresponding ends to the traverse member 12 and at their other ends to the crossbar 14. It also is preferred that the lower surface of each member 12 have bolted or otherwise fixed thereto a wear or bearing bar 37 formed of wood or other material.

Actuating means designated generally by the reference character 38 is provided for effecting vertical reciprocation of any manipulating member 8 and comprises a rotatable shaft 39 journaled at its ends in bearings 40 mounted in bearing supports 41 that may be bolted or otherwise fixed to selected crossbars 14. Fixed on the shaft 39 is a number of eccentrically mounted disks or cams 42 that correspond in number to the number of manipulative members 8. Each of the cams 42 is provided with `a rotatable, metal tire 43 at its periphery and which is provided with ball races of conventional construction so as to be freely rotatable relatively to its associated disk for a purpose which presently will be explained. Each cam is angularly offset from its adjacent cam by an amount representing the quotient obtained by dividing the number of cams into 360. Thus, the eccentricity between adjacent cams is uniform and the eeccentricity between the cams at the extremities of the shaft 39 corresponds to the eccentricity between each adjacent cam. Moreover, the angular offset of the cams proceeds in a direction from one end of the shaft to the other, whereby a line connecting the high points of the cams describes a helix of 360.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, there are eleven manipulating members 8 and eleven cams 42. The angular offset between each adjacent cam, therefore, is slightly less than 33. The eccentricity of each of the cams should be uniform and it has been found that an eccentricity or throw of 3A inch produces satisfactory results. It will be understood, however, that the number of manipulating members, the number of cams, the angular offset between adjacent cams, and the eccentricity of the cams may vary from the figures specified above.

Means for driving the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor 44 which may be supported on the frame in any suitable manner and drivingly connected to -a speed reducing unit 45 of any suitable, conventional kind. The output shaft of the speed reducing unit 45 may be provided with a sprocket wheel 46 around which is trained a drive chain 47, the latter also being trained around a sprocket wheel 48 that is fixed to the shaft 39. The arrangement is such that operation of the motor 44 effects rotation of the shaft 39 and, consequently, rotation of each of the cams 43. For purposes which will be explained more fully hereinafter, it is preferred that the shaft 39 be driven at a speed between l5 and 20 revolutions per minute and, preferably, at about 17 revolutions per minute.

To condition the apparatus lfor use, the adjusting mechanism of each manipulating member 8 is operated to effect movement of the members 9 and 12 toward one another such an amount as to provide sufficient clearance between the associated bearing bar 37 and the associated cam 42 to prevent engagement therebetween, regardless of the position of the cam. These are the positions of the parts shown in FIGURE 4. In such positions, all of the manipulating members 8 will be supported directly by the upper, horizontal frame members 2 and the upper surface of the treatment table then may be used as a conventional examining table, if desired, but its pri-mary purpose is for manipulation of the patients spine. Assuming that the apparatus is to be utilized for manipulation of the entire length of a patients spine, the patient lies on the tab-le on his 'back with his head resting on the head-board 6 and his legs and feet resting on the board 7. The mem-bers 8 the affected member 8 to be displaced vertically upwardly.

Each of the members 8 may be adjusted individually and independently o-f the others so that, if desired, they provide a surface which con-forms substantially to the configuration of the patients back. The separation of the members 9 and 12 will `be maintained by the toggle mechanism. In

order to avoid having to make an undue adjustment of the end member 8 adjacent the headboard 6, the end member may be provided with a removable neck pad 49 to support the back of the patients neck.

The amount of vertical linear travel of each manipulating member S will depend on the extent that the transverse members 9 and 12 are separated following engagement of the cam by the bearing member 37 and the particular position of the cam during operating of the adjusting means. Thus, each manipulating member 8 is capable of being adjusted for any desired length of vertical travel up to the maximum throw of the cam. In order to facilitate adjustment of the individual members 8 so as to provide the desired length of vertical travel, each memrber is provided with a depending indicating bar 50 at the front of the apparatus which overlies a graduated scale 51 that is secured to the front panel 5.

After the members 8 have been adjusted so as to conform substantially to the curvature of the patients back and to provide the desired length of vertical travel, the motor 44 may be started so as t0 effect rotation of the cam shaft 39 and the cams 42. The arrangement of the cams on the cam shaft is such that rotation of the shaft causes each member 12 to be elevated in succession from one end of the table toward the other so as to provide a series of regularly spaced waves that proceed always in the same direction. Preferably, the arrangement is such that the members 8 are actuated in succession in a direction from the head end of the table toward the foot end of the flatter. The movement of the members 12 will be transmitted to the members 8 via the toggle mechanism. These mechanisms, therefore, not only function to effect adjustment of the members 8i, but also serve as motion transmitting means for transmitting motion of the cams to the members 8.

It has been found that most people breathe at the rate of between 15 and 20 times per minute, with the average rate of respiration being about 17 times per minute when the patient is at rest. When a person breathes, his spine undulates in a direction from the cervical end toward the coccyx end. Consequently, vertical displacement of the members 8 successively in a direction from the head end of the table toward the foot end of the Ilatter, and at a rate of about 17 cycles per minute, effects a manipulation of the patients spine in a manner approximating the natural movement of the latter and at such rate as to conform to the natural respiration rate of the patient.

These factors contribute greatly to the relaxation of the patient, thereby enabling the manipulation of the spine to be exceedingly effective.

The operation of the apparatus is continuous and is exceedingly smooth. The displacement of any given member 8 is uniform as long as its adjusting mechanism remains unchanged. As a result, the treatment given a patient for a predetermined length of time is not subject to the variables attendant manual manipulation.

lIt is not necessary that al1 of the members 8` be reciprocated. In many instances, it may be desirable to manipulate only a limited area of a patients spine. This may require reciprocation of only a few of the mem-bers 8, with the remainder being permitted to remain at rest. Alternatively, not all persons are the same height. Consequently, the ability of the members =8 to |be adjusted individually and independently of one another permits apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention to be utilized for the treatment of patients of greatly differing height.

The disclosed apparatus and method are representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, but are intended to be illustrative rather than definitive thereof. The invention is defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. Physiotherapy apparatus comprising frame means; a plurality of independent support members together forming a patient-supporting surface; means mounting said support members on and between the ends of said frame means independently of one another for independent, substantially vertical reciprocation; driven operating means; adjustable actuating means interposed between each of said support members and said operating means and operable normally to reciprocate said members relative to said frame means in succession in a direction Ifrom one end of said frame means toward the other; adjusting means for adjusting the stroke of reciproaction of any selected number of said support members any selected distance between maximum and nil; and means for driving said operating means.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said operating means is driven at a speed to effect reciprocation of said members at a irate of between iifteen and twenty cycles per minute.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said rate is substantially seventeen cycles per second.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including indicia on said each of said members and said frame means for indicating the stroke length of each of said members.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said members is rigid and spans substantially the full Width of said frame means.

6. Physiotherapy apparatus comprising frame means; a plurality of independent support members together forming a patient-supporting surface; means mounting said support members on and between the ends of said frame means independently of one another yfor independent, substantially vertical reciprocation; operating means movable in an orbital path; motion transmitting means connected to each of said support members and interposed between the latter and the path of movement of said operating means; means connected to each of said motion transmitting means for adjusting the latter toward and away from said path so as selectively to enable and disable reciprocations of the associated support member in response to movement of said operating means in said path; and means for driving said operating means in said path.

7. The construction set forth in claim 6 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises a toggle link mechanism.

8. The construction set forth in claim 7 wherein said adjusting means comprises apparatus yfor collapsing and extending said toggle link mechanism.

9. The construction set forth in claim 6 wherein said operating means is driven -by said driving means at a rate of substantially seventeen cycles per minute.

10. Physiotherapy apparatus comprising -frame means; a plurality of independent, Slat-'like support members together forming a patient-supporting surface; operating means mounted on said frame means for movement in an orbital path; a plurality of thrust members corresponding in number to the number of said support members and being interposed between the latter and said operating means; adjustable means interconnecting sia-id thrust members and said support members; adjusting means for adjusting each of said thrust members independently toward and Iaway from said path for selectively enabling and disabling engagement between said operating means and each of said thrust members; and driving means for driving said operating means in said path at la speed of susbtantially seventeen revolutions per minute.

11. The construction set forth in claim 10 wherein said operating means includes a plurality of eccentrics corresponding in number to the number of said support members and wherein said eccentrics are angularly offset from one another so as to eifect successive reciprocation of said support members in a direction from one end of said frame means toward the other.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,375,652 4/ 1921 Carlotti 128-51 1,391,893 9/1921 Hardy 12S-69 1,617,593 2/1927 Hardy 128-49 X 1,772,3'10 8/1930 Hart 128-33 X 2,310,106 2/1943 Miller 128-58 2,360,975 10/ 1944 Petersen 128-51 2,672,860 3/1954 Badger et al 128-33 2,773,498 12/ 1956 Himmelman 128--33 2,869,539 1/1959 Mosse 128--52 X 3,196,868 7/1965 Johnston 12S-57 FOREIGN PATENTS 671,728 10/ 1963 Canada.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner. Tfr W- TRAP?, www Examiner.. 

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY APPARATUS COMPRISING FRAME MEANS; A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENT SUPPORT MEMBERS TOGETHER FORMING A PATIENT-SUPPORTING SURFACE; MEANS MOUNTING SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS ON AND BETWEEN THE ENDS OF SAID FRAME MEANS INDEPENDENTLY OF ONE ANOTHER FOR INDEPENDENT, SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL RECIPROCATION; DRIVEN OPERATING MEANS; ADJUSTABLE ACTUATING MEANS INTERPOSED BETWEEN EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS AND SAID OPERATING MEANS AND OPERABLE NORMALLY TO RECIPROCATE SAID MEMBERS RELATIVE TO SAID FRAME MEANS IN SUCCESSION IN A DIRECTION FROM ONE END OF SAID FRAME MEANS TOWARD THE OTHER; ADJUSTING MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE STROKE OF RECIPROCATION OF ANY SELECTED NUMBER OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBERS ANY SELECTED DISTANCE BETWEEN MAXIMUM AND NIL; AND MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID OPERATING MEANS. 